Iran's attacks on Hormuz shipping hit record as ships sink
Iran's military has claimed responsibility for strikes on vessels in the strait, and a Singapore-flagged container ship went down after a reported mine strike. Tanker arrivals have fallen sharply in recent weeks.
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What happened
Iran has escalated attacks on commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, and cargo ships have sunk after reportedly striking naval mines. Iran's Army Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, said the strait would remain closed until the rights of the Iranian people were respected, and the US Central Command disputed Iran's claims of control and its account of a Singapore-flagged ship sinking.
Why it matters
Shipping disruption is slowing oil exports and pushing oil prices toward a weekly gain. A UN agency says the disruption is starting to affect harvests.
Timeline
- Oct 15, 12:31 PM ET: A cargo ship carrying more than 2,500 containers sank south of the Strait of Hormuz after reportedly striking a naval mine and catching fire.
- Oct 15, 2:39 PM ET: Iran's Navy reported another oil tanker fire, saying the vessel entered a prohibited area in the Gulf of Oman with its tracking systems switched off.
- Oct 15, 3:56 PM ET: Hatami said the strait would stay closed until Iranian rights were respected.
- Oct 15, 8:20 PM ET: The US military rejected Iran's claims of controlling the strait and disputed the account of the Singapore-registered ship sinking.
- Oct 16, 1:00 AM ET: BBC Verify analysis of UK maritime agency data showed 12 vessels were struck in a single week.
Coverage
- Singapore-flagged vessel sunk in Strait of Hormuz (www3.nhk.or.jp)
- US military disputes Iran's claims over Strait of Hormuz
- Iran's attacks on Strait of Hormuz shipping reach record high
- Attacks sink a container ship in Strait of Hormuz and slow traffic
- Iranian Guards commander warns of attacks on US ships near Hormuz
- Iranian navy says tanker burned near Hormuz, amid attack reports
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard hits tankers near Hormuz as peace talks stall
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